French Defense Firms Eye Ukraine for New Co-Production Ventures
France has confirmed its readiness to begin joint weapons production in Ukraine.
The Gaze reports this, referring to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The announcement followed high-level talks in Kyiv between Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev and representatives of France’s defense and security industry group GICAT.
During the meeting, attended by French Defense Attaché Colonel Frédéric Balle and Thomas Moreau, head of GICAT’s Ukrainian office, both sides explored opportunities for co-production, technology transfer, and joint innovation projects tailored to Ukraine’s battlefield needs.
“Developing interceptor systems for Ukraine remains a top priority,” Boiev said. “We continue to expand partnerships that strengthen our air defense capabilities and ensure our soldiers are equipped with the most effective tools possible.”
The talks also focused on ways to finance future projects through EU mechanisms, signaling France’s support for integrating Ukraine’s defense production into broader European industrial and financial frameworks.
Among the key cooperation areas discussed are joint production of air and missile defense systems and their interceptors, maintenance and repair of military equipment, testing of innovative battlefield technologies, component supply chains, and design of next-generation weapons based on Ukraine’s frontline experience.
Ukraine has already made significant progress in expanding its domestic defense output. Officials estimate that over one-third of all military equipment supplied to the Armed Forces is now produced domestically, including a rapidly growing volume of ammunition and drones.
Boiev expressed gratitude for France’s “systematic support and strategic partnership,” emphasizing that joint production will not only strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry but also contribute to Europe’s collective security architecture.
As The Gaze reported earlier, France’s army is preparing for the potential deployment of its forces to Ukraine as early as next year under European security guarantees.
Read more on The Gaze: Swarm Strategy: The Future of Deterrence in Eastern Europe